Vail & Summit County

The most dangerous slopes for triggering avalanches are steep, wind-loaded areas near and above treeline. Expect to find the deepest and most reactive drifts of snow just below the ridgeline. Give suspect slopes a wide berth, as avalanches can be triggered from below or from a distance. Identify and avoid shallow snow spots near convexities or rock outcrops. Any avalanche you trigger could gouge down to the ground. East-, southeast-, and south-facing slopes produced the most avalanche activity over the weekend.

Use caution on very steep slopes below treeline, where you may find deep, unconsolidated snow above terrain traps.